Fire and rescue standby vehicle first on the scene

Part-time firefighter Anders Ganström jumps into the fire and rescue service’s standby vehicle. He is the first to arrive at the burning building. Within minutes, several fire trucks arrive, hoses are rolled out, and the rescue operation is in full swing. Priority number one, as always, is to save lives.

Thankfully, this is just a drill. On this slushy Monday evening in March, full-time and part-time firefighters are practising smoke diving and cutting extinguishing at the training building next to the fire station.

Raising the Level of Preparedness

The standby vehicle is part of a one-year project introducing a new function called “rescue reinforcement.” The project started at the end of February as an initiative from the Boden Fire and Rescue Service.

The new function means that one of the five part-time firefighters on call always has the rescue vehicle with them – at home, at work, or during leisure activities. When an alarm goes off, they can take the standby vehicle directly to the incident site. The other four collect vehicles and equipment at the fire station.

“We wanted to raise our level of preparedness and be quicker on the scene when something major happens,” says Kristoffer Stigson, Head of the Rescue Unit. “After the project period ends, we will evaluate it to see if we should make this a permanent arrangement.”

A Special Responsibility

Anders Ganström and his part-time colleagues take turns being responsible for the rescue vehicle. Every eighth week, they have the vehicle with them, no matter where they are.

“That’s why you might see the rescue vehicle parked outside a preschool at quarter to four on a normal day. Nothing to worry about – quite the opposite,” says Anders with a smile. The rescue vehicle is ready to head out quickly and provide reinforcement on site.

Anders has been a part-time firefighter for twelve years. With a background in the armed forces, he saw the role with the Fire and Rescue Service as a natural continuation.

Tord Vikberg has been part of the part-time team for ten years. In a few weeks, it will be his turn to be on standby with the rescue vehicle.

“Being the first to arrive at a fire or accident carries a special responsibility, and every alarm is different,” says Tord. “It’s fun and rewarding to be a firefighter. Helping others makes me happy.”